“People are your greatest asset” is often said but there are days in any business when that doesn’t seem to be true! It is!
The recession may or may not be over but there will still be a major impact on jobs over the next year or two. Each business needs to review carefully and ensure the company is running profitably even if that means reducing the size of the workforce to preserve the jobs of those who remain.
We have heard of some major redundancies recently and these are likely to continue. For a small business, it is often harder to consider reducing the number of staff as these are people who have worked loyally in the business, sometimes for many years, and they have become friends. The business owner needs to consider:
• For your business, can you undertake the work you are doing with fewer people?
• Is this likely to continue or will workload increase/decrease this year?
• Can you obtain extra work and if so how?
• If you arranged for some training, would you be able to undertake more work and/or more lucrative work?
• If you have one or more employee too many, are you prepared to risk the jobs of every employee by continuing to employ him or her?
• HR advice is available free of charge from ACAS and their website www.acas.gov.uk is very helpful but often it helps to talk one to one to ensure you get it right
• Is now the right time to introduce a new product range or service because there are some very experienced people looking for the right job
In 2010, all companies can look to the future and can find positive ways forward but they need to do so with their eyes open. What they actually need to do varies significantly one to another but talking things through with someone else is invaluable; it really helps the owner to see more clearly.
Free advice is available from White Egret Limited. We are pleased to offer a free initial session to talk about the general issues facing the business and to see in what ways we can help and assist. There is no obligation on either side but we are always happy to chat; call or e-mail today.
Julie Leigh julie.leigh@whiteegret.co.uk 01202 768574 07940 983132
